ALMOST JULY

When I worked at the Runnels County Sheriff's Office last year, I ran across a file about an attempted bank robbery in Wingate, Texas of all places! I thought it was too wild to be a real case, but when I asked about it, no one who was in the Department at that time wanted to discuss it. When I researched the story on Google, I discovered why they didn't want to talk about it! Can you imagine NOT catching a guy in a CLOWN SUIT?? In Runnels County?? (They recovered the suit and a pair of cowboy boots he discarded.) Talk about red faces! Anyway, the following is an account of this clumsy attempt written up in the Abilene paper:

From the Abilene Reporter News, August 8, 2007

An interview with FBI Senior Resident Agent Gary Macnoll:

“Of all the bank robberies Macnoll has investigated over the years, only two remain unsolved. The most recent was the May 2004 robbery of American State Bank near Abilene Regional Medical Center.

The other one was a doozy. In fact, authorities aren't really sure it was an attempted bank robbery. Whatever it was, part of it occurred in Security State Bank in Wingate, a small community in northwestern Runnels County.

About 1 p.m. on Aug. 14, 1996, a man wearing a clown outfit walked into the bank and said he was there to deliver a singing telegram, Dallas FBI Special Agent Marjorie Poche said at the time.

He was asked to leave, which he did -- with no money taken from the bank. From there, the "clown" walked to the county barn, where he encountered Postmaster Garry Goff. The man, toting a chrome revolver, took Goff hostage in the postmaster's 1989 white pickup.

Goff later was released unharmed and authorities found the abandoned pickup nearby. Runnels County law enforcement officers quickly set up road blocks. The Abilene office of the FBI was alerted, and Macnoll rushed to the scene.

Before the manhunt was over three days later, the area was searched by helicopter, on foot, and by area prison guards on horseback.

The 'clown bandit' was seen by numerous people, who described him to authorities. He eventually shed his clown suit, which was recovered by officers. But somehow he still got away with it.

‘We don't know what happened to him,' Macnoll said.”

The Runnels County Sheriff's Department doesn't know either. Wow! Fingers in the evidence room and a bank robber in a clown costume -- who says life in a small town is dull?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Some news on our favorite "patients":

From JAMES HAYS: "I'm doing OK, back to work 6 weeks ago. Got another part time job, too. I'm the Brown County Health Authority now, but they didn't give me a badge and a gun with one bullet. Only 3 and 1/2 months 'til I can start getting my pilot's medical certificate back."

JERRY DAVIS just finished his first week of radiation (I thought it was his second week!). He and I played telephone tag today, and we both left voice mails. He said he is feeling fine, and wants to thank EVERYONE for all the cards, phone calls, good wishes, and prayers.

IRENE (PIEL) BATTS has major surgery on her jaw scheduled in San Antonio on July 23rd. I will try to get the name and address of the hospital, as she is going to be there for two weeks.

We had two out of three correct guesses on the houses last week. JUNE (HASH) CURRY correctly guessed that House #2 was her home during high school, and JAMES HAYS guessed that House #3 was his home until 1955. (Read Comments for the last blog entry.) That only leaves one house. Who lived in House #1 (on the last blog post) during their Freshman year in high school??

Here are a couple more for your guesses. Did YOU live here? These were also during our Freshman year. (A hint -- one was a girl and one was a guy.) I realize a lot of years have gone by and some of the houses don't look quite the same. "Use your imagination", as my granddaughter Audrey used to say when she was two years old and stirring a can of rocks.. She told her playmate she was stirring "beans".

NANCY (THOMPSON) BAKER and hubby Jake just returned from three days spent with their son Rodger and his wife Tammy at Fredericksburg. Rodger has spent tours in Iraq and Bahrain the past three years. They are preparing to move to Spain for a three-year tour of duty, and might not be able to fly home until that tour is up. Rodger flew home on emergency leave to see Jake when he had heart surgery last summer. That was for only one night, and since Jake was in ICU, he doesn't remember the visit at all. Nancy said they really enjoyed their visit with them.

I hope everyone is having fun this summer and taking some great vacation photos for me. Some of you will be getting some pictures taken at the reunion in the mail shortly. Irene wanted to send those before we got too old to remember them!

Let me hear about the "good stuff" happening in your life.

'Til next time,
Marilyn

SNIPS AND SNAPS

The following (Snips) are excerpts from emails I recently have received from DENNY HILL. These are in response to my request for information on your vacations. I suppose to some, their work is like a vacation. Such seems to be the case with Denny. If you want to know what kinds of "papers" of which he speaks, just Google "C. Denson Hill" and have your mind boggled! (Google to boggle!) He's in Berlin at the present time.

“I have two papers to finish up with my Polish friend, and a guy from New Zealand is also a coauthor. Then I have two other papers to complete, joint with my Italian friend and another German friend who now works in Sweden. The latter will come to Berlin next week so we can work together.

Basically I just spent my first week here concentrating on my German. That is easy since at the moment I have nobody to speak English with. It has been unusually warm here, so mostly I stay in my room during the day with German TV always on. Then around 9:30 or 10:00 pm I go out for supper and wind up in my favorite kneipe. For the last several nights, after a few beers, I wound up talking to some interesting local Germans. That is actually the best way to warm up my German.

In this part of Germany, you say tschuss! as a way of saying "goodbye", as you are leaving someone. But when you first see them, you would just say hallo!

In Bavaria, when greeting someone, you have to say Gruess Gott! (which I hate), and when leaving, you say Auf Widerschauen. (Textbooks teach you to say Auf Widersehen, but that is only the western German form.) The tschuss version actually comes from the Latin, and is very old. It was adopted in the eastern part of Germany, because they hated the communist way of having to call everyone comrade.
There is plenty to do here, but I am kind of lazy, so mostly when I am not working, or watching TV, I just like to hang out.”Tschuss!
Denny (June 6, 2008)

“Bush lands in Berlin today for a very short visit. Every time he has come here, he has been met by protesters.
The new president of Russia was in town last week. I did not see him on the street, but some people told me he was surrounded by at least 11 secret service types.
Celine Dion is here, staying in some luxury hotel for about a month. She has been seen on the street enjoying the city, seeing the sights. She appears to be very relaxed, and happily talks to people she meets, like while having coffee or a snack at an outdoor caffee. She is giving a number of concerts here, Frankfurt, Stockholm, Paris, etc. What she does is that she flies in her private jet to wherever she has the concert the day of the concert, does her thing, and that very same night, she flies back to Berlin to sleep in her hotel suite, and be with her husband and kid. It is very convenient for her because her jet is parked at Templehof, which is right in the middle of town. (It is used very little now, mostly for private planes. It was the airport of the famous Berlin airlift.) Now it is sort of a museum.”

That is the news from Berlin. (June 10, 2008)

"We finished at least a preliminary version of one paper, and now my collaborators in Italy are trying to finish another one. Later, when I return from Italy, my Polish collaborator will come to Berlin for a week, and hopefully we will finally submit another one, which we have worked on for almost 3 years."
Ciao,

Denny (June 18, 2008)

EDITOR: Now for a few "snaps". Recently I thought it would be fun to photograph the houses some of you lived in when we were Freshmen in high school. I'm sorry, but I don't know how to find those of you who lived in the country. Anyway, let's see how many of you recognize your old homeplace -- or that of someone you ran around with or dated. I will only put about three on each blog post, so here are the first three. Remember, you can leave a comment by going to the bottom of this post and clicking on "Comments" or you may click on the time, right beside it. Also, by clicking on the photo itself, you can enlarge it. If you have difficulty, just email me with your answer to "who's house is it"??

There is a curious coincidence about the third house. My parents bought it sometime in 1958. However, I was shocked to find out which one of our classmates lived there in our Freshman year. Once someone tells me who lived there, I will relate the "coincidence".

I know I keep asking for prayers for those of our classmates whose health may be less than perfect. I also know that not everyone prays. However, if you do not wish to pray for whatever reason, just send some warm, loving thoughts to those in need. Picture them whole and healthy. The following is from one of my favorite little inspirational books, "A Cherokee Feast of Days":

"When we last saw Essie she had been ashen and without the strength we see in her now. Now she sits flat on the ground, legs straight out in front, and reeds tumble across her knees and lie around her. Nimble fingers seek the perfect one to start a basket. Essie is close to our hearts. She has our Grandmother's name. Her reticence does not inspire idle talk, so we ask what happened to change her. With a quick glance, she says, 'God heal.' 'Is it possible? So quickly and completely?' Hesitantly, she asks, 'You got fast oven?' I say I do. 'What make it work?' 'Why, microwaves -- energy. They change the molecules, the structure of the bread from cold to hot.' Seconds pass. She says, almost too softly, 'Prayer energy. Make me well.'"

Well, I believe, like Essie, that prayer energy "changes the molecules". So, keep sending all that loving prayer energy to JAMES HAYS, JERRY DAVIS, ROSALYN HOELSCHER, and IRENE BATTS.

You know, prayer energy is some of the "good stuff" that happens!

Marilyn

SUMMERTIME FUN (?)

Even tho' summer is not officially here, it has been so hot I could not help thinking about vacations. The following is one of my favorite vacation stories. Notice I said “stories”, not vacation! I’ve had some not nearly so full of mishaps! This vacation took place in June of 2006.

“C.J., WE DON’T WANT TO CRUISE WITH YOU!”

(Carnival Cruise Ship Triumph -- C.J.)

That’s what my daughter Carajean’s friends have said to her when she tried to get a cruise vacation together with them and their families. Well, they don’t know what they are missing! Granted, some of her past vacation plans have gone awry. Like the time she thought the arrival time of their plane was the departure time. An hour late, they missed their connecting flight out of Dallas. Their luggage went on without them, not to be seen again until after the cruise they were taking from New Orleans. They caught a flight to Baton Rouge, and then rented a car to drive to New Orleans. Carajean had about 20 minutes at the local Wal-Mart to buy the necessary toiletries, swimsuits, underwear, clothing, etc. for herself and her three children! The girls were miffed at not having their beautiful new cruise wear bought in advance of their vacation; and Carajean said she wore a lot of clothing on that trip with “Carnival Cruises” emblazoned across her chest!

Then there was the time she, her husband Branch, and their three children arrived in Mexico for a week’s vacation sans Ashlyn’s suitcase, which was somehow left behind. Lots of “Cozumel” tee shirts on an unhappy little girl.

And how about the time Carajean left out two pair of jeans for herself and Branch to wear off the ship the next morning? Like a good passenger, she put their suitcases in the corridor to be picked up the night before they docked. Whoops! Both pairs of jeans were hers! The next morning she pleaded with the crew to let her rummage through the thousands of bags in the cargo hold trying to find their luggage – to no avail. Branch disembarked wearing a beach towel from the cabin. When a crew member told him he “couldn’t do that”, he answered, “You don’t want me to take off this towel!” And he didn’t!

I was not going to let such tales spoil my chance to cruise with four of my grandchildren! We made plans, checked, and double-checked all arrangements. Luckily, we found an error or two beforehand, such as Tanner’s name being registered differently from the name on his passport. They would not have allowed him on the ship in Miami if it hadn’t been corrected ahead of time. Both Carajean and I felt confident that there were no more mistakes.

(Ashlyn & Tanner at Miami Airport)

My only concern before setting off on our journey was the private plane we were to take from Amarillo to Miami. Even though it is a twin engine Cessna, there were seven passengers and our pilot. Weight might be a problem. We had foreseen such a requirement, but didn’t know until the day before we left exactly how much weight we would be allowed. We decided in advance to try to pack in small, lightweight duffel/sport bags. 

I really did take all the clothing I needed for the eight days in one 30” duffel bag and one small shoulder makeup bag. We rolled our clothing as I was taught for camping. My total weight for the trip was about 35-lbs, including my 5-lb purse! I did put one long formal gown into Carrie and Branch’s garment bag.

The day before we were to leave, our pilot Nick told us we were allowed a total of 250-lbs for 4 adults, 2 teenagers, and 2 children! We were frantically weighing our bags and rearranging items to see which could be left behind. I jokingly asked Branch how much his laptop weighed. He quickly replied, “Not as much as you do!” I nearly choked with laughter, but decided to let my daughter and Branch make the decisions as to what to leave behind! Later, I noticed the bag of snacks packed by Carrie was much lighter…no snacks and no bottle of wine to make the first part of the trip more relaxing! She didn’t know I had spotted the wine.

My first experience riding in the co-pilot’s seat was a little nerve-wracking, as there were storms all around us. I gladly relinquished that seat to my grandson Cameron when we picked him up in Dallas. Needless to say, any 16-year-old would love that! We made it to Montgomery, Alabama where we made the next stop. Everyone was hungry, but it was late and by the time we used the airport’s van, drove into the city and bought Subways, it was really getting late. Nick was worried about the storm systems between Alabama and Florida. As it turns out, we needn’t have worried. The plane’s engines wouldn’t start! The starter was out and there was no mechanic on duty at the small private airport at that time of night.

The kids camped out on sofas in the small airport's lounge while Nick tried to locate a mechanic. Branch went off by himself and was using his laptop. I thought he was working on the computer programming course he is taking, but no, he was trying to book all of us on a commercial flight to Miami that would get us there before our cruise ship left the next day. When he couldn’t do that, he crossed the terminal to tell Carrie he had chartered a private jet to take us the rest of the way, but it would be at least an hour before the pilot and the jet would arrive. Carajean told him not to tell her the cost or her vacation might be ruined!

The new pilot was a real Southern Gentleman. He put us right at ease – even had snacks and drinks for everyone. He informed us that the FAA won’t let the jet pilots fly more than once in a 24-hour period. Usually, he flies every day. That day, however, for some reason, he had not flown! Yayyy! We were going to make it to Miami and even get a few hours sleep before the ship sailed. Nearly everyone snoozed on this leg of our journey. It was nothing like flying in a commercial airliner. It truly felt like we were floating on the air! Our pilot Nick co-piloted for us, which was a treat for him, too! Then he flew back to Montgomery to see about repairs to our little Cessna.

Nick later told me that the starter going out caused us to miss all the bad weather between us and Florida that night. Imagine that!! He is also flying this same Cessna to Michigan in a couple of weeks to take Carajean and Audrey’s dance teachers to Interlochen to pick up Audrey, who went directly there after our cruise for a three-week ballet camp. Nick asked Carajean if he could take a co-pilot on this 1,000 mile trip! The reason could be that on our return trip from Miami, one engine went out on the Cessna. It was off only briefly, however, I wonder if he thinks trips with Carajean warrant a little extra precaution? Just kidding, C.J.

After our arrival at 3:30 in the morning in a slightly scary Miami (you wouldn’t believe the types roaming the streets in those wee hours!), about 6-hours of sleep, and a $100 breakfast, we finally boarded our ship.

We nearly drove our cabin steward crazy as she tried to figure out who was who. We swapped cabins, as the kids couldn’t be left alone with a balcony. Ahem, I got a balcony suite with a king-size bed and four wonderful down pillows! And I was alone except for a few visits from family during the daytime. Carrie and I played gin rummy and drank wine one afternoon on the balcony. What a luxurious treat for me.

Audrey and Ashlyn shared a cabin and Cameron and Tanner were next to them, all across the corridor from Branch and Carajean’s penthouse suite – which was complete with marble bath and Jacuzzi! 

The kids were assigned the buddy system and everything was okay until the second day, when Ashlyn left Tanner to retrieve something from her cabin. He was gone when she returned. This ship has twelve decks and nearly 4,000 people aboard! We sent out a search party. The Purser’s Office called to say Tanner was with them. A visibly relieved Carajean retrieved her lost little boy. Tanner is seven now, and very bright. But we hadn’t been on board long enough for him to memorize his cabin number, and the card key doesn’t contain the number. When Carrie led him by the hand and asked him what happened, she said this tiny little voice told her, “Mom, I can’t talk about it when I’m under pressure.” ‘Nuff said! Needless to say, we had two scared little kids who didn’t forget the buddy system again!

I walked the streets of San Juan, Puerto Rico – our first stop, with not too much difficulty breathing. There are some pretty steep hills there, though, and I probably wouldn’t do it again. We all got rained on before we reboarded the ship. At least there were no tropical storms or hurricanes predicted!

By the time we got to St. Maarten, our final stop before returning home, we were all having a great time. Branch booked us on a catamaran tour that would anchor at a couple of places allowing folks to swim and snorkel. Having had a delicious rum punch onboard the Golden Eagle, I let the grandchildren talk Grandmama into getting into the water with one of the “noodles” that they assured me would keep me afloat. It was such a beautiful day and the beach seemed very close. I thought I could mosey on over to the beach on my “noodle”, dog paddling as I went.

Wrong! The waves were much stronger than they looked and I had not been in an ocean since being diagnosed with “mild” emphysema. When the waves would hit me, I felt like the breath was being knocked out of me. Of course, that made me panic, which made it even harder to catch my breath. I captured my granddaughter’s eye and waved her over. She tried to pull me to shore, with no success. Then she said she would swim to the boat and get my emergency inhaler. 

As she left me there with a second “noodle”, some young men playing touch football on the beach spotted my dilemma. One swam over and asked if he could help. God bless him, he was a medical student and thrilled at the prospect of “saving” someone! He got me to shore, told me to do deep breathing, and ran to get me a bottle of water. 

By now, I was thoroughly embarrassed and beginning to attract a lot of attention. I told him Audrey went for my inhaler and soon we saw my son-in-law Branch swimming towards us with one hand in the air, holding a plastic bag containing the inhaler. The young medical student asked me if he should swim after it. Between big gulps of air, I told him my son-in-law was not only a physician but also had been a competition swimmer! I hated to burst his bubble, as he was so kind and helpful.

By the time I was using the inhaler, Carajean swam over and told us that the catamaran crew was putting a rubber dinghy into the water to come rescue me! We watched as two good-looking, tanned young men dropped the dinghy over the side and did a few figure 8s with it in the water before getting down to the business of rescuing me. When C.J. saw them her eyes got big and she said, “I think I’d better go with you, Mom. This looks like fun!”

I was treated to a shower to get the sand off and then a few minutes on the oxygen tank. My humiliation was complete, but I was one grateful grandmother for all the assistance!

You know, none of these incidents could be attributed to Carajean. Why was I getting the feeling that I knew what her friends meant when they said, “We don’t want to cruise with you, C.J.”. Things just seemed to …. happen …. when you vacation with her.

(LEAVING MIAMI ~ SAN JUAN, P.R. ~ TRUNK BAY, ST. JOHNS, V.I.)

Now it’s your turn! Send me your vacation story. Pictures, too, if you have them. All of these photos I took with a disposable camera! 

There is always "good stuff" happening! Tell me about it.

Marilyn

ON A LIGHTER NOTE

A TALE TO BE TOED

(Written August 23, 2006)

I recently started a part-time job with the Sheriff’s Office. So far, I have been doing a lot of filing, and acquainting myself with some of the forms and terms used on a daily basis. (What’s your 10-20?; 10-4; etc.)

I was pleased to find out I would soon be helping one of the deputies do an inventory of the main evidence room. We’ll be checking to see if some evidence may be discarded, and then we will obtain the necessary court orders to do so. This will be a nice change of pace from the filing.

The Sheriff called me into his office and gave me a list of the items that are located in the evidence room. I glanced at the list and was surprised to see the item “fingers” on the second page! Thinking this was some kind of code name, I laughed and asked what it meant. Imagine my surprise when the Sheriff said, “Just what it says -- ‘fingers’”. Apparently there are two sets of fingers stored as evidence. I was so shocked, I never thought to ask what the cases were. I supposed I would find out soon enough, when we conducted the inventory.

I emailed my daughter-in-law that night and mentioned the “fingers” in my note. I went on to discuss an upcoming visit to me they were to make. Shortly afterwards, she answered me by email and stated that my son Matthew told her to inform me he did not want any finger food when they came! I laughed out loud when I read that.

The next night Matthew and I were talking on the telephone and he asked me if I remembered when he was a young mechanic working on a car in Denton and he found a toe. Horrified, I said I certainly did not remember that! “Yeah”, he said. “It was under the front fender and there was blood everywhere.” “Ohmigosh”, I replied, “What did you do??” “I called the toe truck”, he answered.

Gotcha! Again! He’s been doing that to me since he was four years old. I guess I’ll never learn.

Please don't ask about the fingers! I worked at the S.O. until about this time last year. Contrary to some rumors, I did not quit because of one very obnoxious deputy! I quit because of some very obnoxious cigarette smoke! Okay guys, get out there and make the good stuff happen. And don't forget to send warm fuzzies and prayers to our classmates in need. I'll keep you posted. Marilyn P.S, If you wish to send a comment, click on "Comments" at the bottom of this post, not on the little envelope.

POSTSCRIPT ON MEMORIAL DAY

ARLINGTON NATIONAL CEMETERY

I recently asked my “boys” if they remembered having to practice for a bomb attack when they were in school. This is what they responded with:

Craig:

”We did have to do duck and cover. I remember vividly having to get under my desk in first grade and I think going out into the hall and crouching down in the second grade. I don't remember knowing what it was all about. We just treated it sorta like a fire drill.”

Matthew:

“We did it. I remember it well. They played the old training movies from the 50's on the projector.”

Craig was in the First Grade in 1964 in Midland. I’m sure if there had been an attack, the oilfields around the Permian Basin would have been a target..? Matthew, however, didn’t start First Grade until 1975 in Irving. By then, surely they knew how useless the “duck and cover” would be in a nuclear attack! I wonder why they continued this frightening practice.

Funny, I don’t remember doing this at all as a kid. I moved around so much in grade school (remember it was called primary school, grade school, grammar school, and then elementary school?), maybe they practiced these drills on days I was in transit! Did you have to practice these drills when you were in school here in Ballinger?

I do remember being horrified by the atomic bomb. When my dad came home from World War II, I followed him around asking him questions about the war and what he did in Japan. I was too young – seven years old – to really understand about the bomb then, but I had seen enough images in magazines and the newsreels (remember those?) at the movie theaters to know that little children were affected, too, and often killed. My sister and I were left with different relatives in different states from time to time throughout the war. I recall that my prayers were always ended with “God, please don’t let the 'Japs' kill my daddy.” My fear for my dad was resolved upon his return, but my compassion for the little children only increased. I still remember how angry he got with me when I asked him if he had to kill a little child! Only as an adult did I find out that he did not see combat in Japan, but was there with the Occupation forces.

A couple of years ago I got Dad to talk a little about his experiences as a paratrooper in the South Pacific. They were sent to an island in the Philippines to do a mop-up action. Apparently, there were some Japanese gunners hiding out in the caves in the hills. He said they had to sweep the hillsides, and when they came to a cave, throw grenades into it. When I asked if he knew whether or not he actually killed anyone, he said they didn’t stick around to find out… and that he really didn’t want to know. My dad was only 27 years old at the time of the bombing of Hiroshima.

My dad was stationed at Fort Sam Houston during the Korean “conflict” when I was in the seventh grade (it was junior high then, now middle school!) in San Antonio. I read a small book called Hiroshima, which outlined in vivid detail everything about that attack. I don’t know why I read that book – or where I got it. Certainly not at the school library. Anyway, I did a book report on it, and from that day forward I was against war. 

It was so unreal to think that people could be reduced to a mere “shadow” on a sidewalk. I would stand in the sun and look down at my own shadow and try to imagine that that was all that was left of me. Even worse were the reports of survivors with their faces melted, or all their skin coming off if someone tried to hold them or pick them up. For years I followed reports on the aftereffects of the A-Bomb and what it did to the poor people who survived the attack. Horrible, horrible health problems… deformed babies -- if they could even give birth again. Those were the times I was almost ashamed to be an American. And I was only 12 years old.

I also read about the pilot and crew of the Enola Gay, who dropped those bombs. I could not imagine human beings wanting to deliver such destruction on so many innocent people. But then, there are a lot of things about war I do not understand – whether “they” are doing it, or we are!

A side note and not one I am particularly proud of: In the late 80s I was doing some genealogical research on my dad’s family and discovered he had a first cousin in Houston. I found him in Who’s Who in America, and found out he discovered/developed the electromagnetic process that made the first atomic bomb possible. He was among the scientists at Los Alamos during the testing of these bombs. When I met his sister in New Orleans, who was in her 70s at the time, she told me he went blind many years before. I wondered if this was a result of his exposure to radiation at the test sites when the bombs went off. (2021 - I have since discovered this is an error. There were two Moragnes with the same name. My cousin was not the one who worked on the bomb.)

About the same time that I found this side of my family, my oldest child, Craig Young, was the youngest member of the board of directors of the Texas Freeze Voters Association. He was aghast when I told him of our “infamous” relative. He didn’t want anyone to know. 

“Where have all the young men gone?”………………Too many of them are in Arlington National Cemetery and others scattered in cemeteries around the country. “When will we ever learn? When will we ever learn?”…

May we honor the soldiers and not the wars.

Too bad, good stuff doesn't always happen.

Marilyn

IN MEMORY

ROSALYN (URBANTKE) HOELSCHER sent me the following information last night. I am sorry to say I don't remember John, however, he was a good friend of Rosalyn's and her family. She said he was a classmate of the Class of '57 until he joined the Navy at an early age. Some of you may find his photo in an early BHS annual. Unfortunately, mine were lost long ago.

"Just want to let you know that John Wayne Watkins passed away this past week. He has been in the hospital since Nov. 19th,the past few months he was at the VA Hospital in Big Spring. He had lung cancer-then it went into throat and voice box, so he has not been able to talk or eat since January (very sad). His funeral was today (Saturday) in San Angelo"...
JOHN WAYNE WATKINS

Publication Date: May 23, 2008

SAN ANGELO - "John Wayne Watkins, 70, of Carlsbad, died Wednesday, May 21, 2008, at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Big Spring, Texas after a courageous battle with cancer. Graveside military burial will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 24, in Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens. Arrangements are by Johnson's Funeral Home. John was born on Jan. 10, 1938, in Coleman, Texas, and later moved with his family to Ballinger. He joined the U.S. Navy at age 17 and served aboard the USS Princeton. He was later stationed at Barber's Point Naval Air Station in Hawaii where his son, Allen Wayne Watkins was born. After his discharge from the Navy he worked as an officer for the Ballinger and San Angelo Police Departments and also for the Undercover Vice Task Force of the Dallas Police Department. He later moved to Carlsbad, Texas where he retired from the Texas Department of MHMR after working 20 years at the San Angelo State School. Survivors include his son, Allen Wayne Watkins and family of Arvada, Colo.; one sister, Willie Mae Cole of Ballinger; numerous nieces, nephews and many close friends. John was preceded in death by his parents. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, 875 N. Randolph Street, Suite 225, Arlington, VA 22203-1977, The American Cancer Society or your favorite charity."

I'm sorry I couldn't get John's photo to copy from the article in the Standard Times online obituary. If any of you are interested, you may go to their site and click on Obituaries:

http://www.gosanangelo.com/

This is a good address for you to make one of your Favorites or Bookmarks. That way you may keep up with news of this area no matter where you are. I'll place it in the left hand corner of the blog, along with other websites you may find interesting. KRUN's website keeps you up-to-date on Ballinger as well. (You can see who's holding a garage sale!)

On another note, I think I advised everyone that PEGGY (BRANHAM) KRUMLINDE'S test results were all negative. This is one time that negative is definitely "positive"!

I spoke with Carolyn, JERRY DAVIS's wife, yesterday. (He was taking a bath.) She said he was out of "critical care", and in another room at the hospital. His number is now 325-670-5626. They were preparing to remove the oxygen and hopefully allow him to return home. If you call the hospital and are unable to reach him, he may be home by the time you read this. Keep the prayers going for a complete recovery.
Something that has fascinated me since moving back to Ballinger is the vineyard on the San Angelo highway. I know it was planted by a Canadian doctor, Antoine Albert, during the 80s, and that they actually made the wine here for a while. Now the sign says it is owned by Becker Farms, Inc. I have done a little research online trying to find out if they are still making wine from the grapes harvested here. I assume they must be, as the vineyard is being irrigated and looks healthy and green. (I must remember to look for grapes as the season progresses!) I found a Becker Farms in Texas and one back east, but no mention of the Bluebonnet Hill Vineyard.

When I tried to locate Dr. Albert, I found a website he had in 2005. Seems he had become a personal "coach", specializing in assisting medical doctors. His bio mentioned that while he lived in Ballinger, he built a modern clinic. Is that the same clinic we have here today, located on Third Street? I tried to email him, but he no longer has that email address. Maybe he returned to Canada?? If anyone out there can fill me in, I'd love to know the history -- particularly of the wine.

This is Memorial Day weekend, so if any of you have loved ones who have served or who are serving now in the military, we honor you as well as them. We especially need to remember those who lost their lives in service to our country.

A few tips for using the blog... 1) Any photo may be double clicked on and enlarged. 2) The photo slideshows to the left of the blog may be double clicked on, also. When you do that, it will take you directly to the web albums, allowing you to read captions as well as enlarge the photos. 3) To comment on the blog, go to the bottom of the post and click on "Comments". A popup window will allow you to write your comment and send it to me. You may also view comments, if any, by clicking on "Comments". 4) To listen to the music, go to the music "window" to the left of the blog and click on the big arrow. Remember to have your sound on. Of course, you can always email me directly with any news or comments you wish to have published (or not - just let me know).

I look forward to hearing from some new folks. 'Til then, go out there and make the "good stuff" happen!

Marilyn












Runnels County Courthouse

TEXAS RESOURCES ENHANCED

It's not a gold rush, it's not an oil boom, it's not an Emu or Bison ranch, but it promises to be as -- if not more beneficial to Texas landowners than all of the above. There seemed to me to be many, many more of these wind generators than this time last year. One rumor I heard was that a rancher in Sweetwater is being paid $2,000 a month for each generator placed on his land. The gossiping clerks in the convenience store said he had over 100 on his ranch. He was overheard saying he was making more money than he could spend! Imagine that!

I just returned from five days in Amarillo, and as always in the past few years, I was enchanted with the wind generators between here and there. I haven't decided if they look more like giant herons or some kind of futuristic spaceships. Whichever, they are definitely awe inspiring as they rise up off the plains or perch on the tops of hills. The ones pictured here I took between Blackwell and Sweetwater. I have a little nagging concern about the electromagnetic fields they create, and what that might do to animals or people living in their vicinity. My son-in-law pooh-poohed me for that fear. Of course, that could be because he and his father are working on a deal to put them on family land in the Amarillo area.

I don't know if any of you noticed (or even cared), but recently Bob Dylan was given a Pulitzer Prize for songwriting. Being a big fan of his in the 60s, I was really amazed to read this, as I think this is the first time ever for this category. I mentioned it in an email to DENNY HILL. The following is Denny's response to me:

“I once calculated that I arrived in NYC, and was hanging around Washington Square Park, which is very near NYU, about 2 months before Bob Dylan arrived there. I used to see him sitting on a bench in the park, with his guitar looking REALLY YOUNG. Somehow his intensity stood out already, just by his sitting there, gawking at the Village people.

Not too many months later, one night, as I was sitting in a coffee house on MacDougal Street, listening to ‘Rambling Jack Elliot’, between sets he told us this (Jack Elliot speaking):

‘So there is this incredible new folksinger and songwriter in town who has taken to me, and who usually shows up at my pad late at night to hang out and play some chords. But I hadn’t seen him for a few days, and was worried about him. Well, last night late, he knocked on my door. I said, Where have you been? He said, Oh, I was busy writing a new song. Would you like to hear it? And then he sat down in my kitchen and played for me “Mr. Tambourine Man”. It almost knocked me off my kitchen chair! You’ve got to go hear this guy! I think he just got a gig around the corner on Bleeker Street.’

So of course, I took his advice and went to see him, and in less than a year Dylan had become very famous.”

On May 5th I wrote JAMES HAYS to see how he was doing. I asked if he were walking 2-3 miles a day yet, and this was his response:

"1.2 miles now; going to see surgeon today. Able to sneeze ok now, but a hearty cough is still bad. I don't expect to feel good until 4-6 weeks post-op, but it is ok now except for mud wrassling." That was over two weeks ago, so I'll bet he's in even better condition now!

I also heard from ROSALYN (URBANTKE) HOELSCHER. She said she had just had a heart monitor implanted. She's optimistic that this will solve a lot of the cardiac problems she's been having in recent months.

A little sad news. NYDAH ELLET'S father died on May 7th. She said she feels it was what he wanted. He was 89 years old. Our condolences to you, Nydah.

This is a photo of my granddaughter Audrey during her "Giselle" solo at her last high school ballet performance. The second act of their Spring Concert was a very unusual -- and delightful ballet, choreographed by her dance instructor for the past several years. His father died last year, leaving a cedar closet full of his old suits -- many from the 70s. He coupled his dad's leisure suits with humorous music by Mozart and created a ballet like none other. These delicate dancers were outfitted in men's suits several sizes too large for them, along with their leotards and men's ties. I wish I had been able to capture a good photo of them, however, no flashes were allowed. Her dad, BOB BURTON and her other grandmother (Ann Burton), "Two", were also there to share this memorable family event. We were passing around the Kleenex, as is usual when we watch our grandchildren perform! Some of the tears were for the passing of the years. She's such a grown up young woman now.

This is Audrey (on the left below) with her ballet instructor's wife, Stephanie Parker, backstage between performances. Stephanie performs with Cirque du Soleil in Miami, but has been guest performer in three of her husband's ballets that I have attended. She's much prettier than this photo, but I wanted to show the costumes they wore for the Second Act. It was pretty unbelievable that they could even dance with them on. Of course, we thought Audrey was magnificent!



More news. GLENN SMITH has a young visitor from South America, who will be staying in Ballinger for a while. Glenn has sponsored her to come to the States to attend college. The last I heard, she has a scholarship to St. Mary's in San Antonio. Her name is Stephanie and from her photo, she is a lovely young woman. Stephanie sings. Boy!! does she sing! (I have heard a demo CD she made for auditions). She really, really wants to be on American Idol, and has the talent to go with that ambition. I think she will be going to summer school at ACU, so if you see her around town with Glenn, give her a big Texas welcome.

Happy Birthday, DON SIMMONS!!

Send me all your newsworthy items and photos. I'd love a story from all you great storytellers out there!

Until next time, keep on making "good stuff happen"!

Marilyn

NEWS AND VIEWS

NEIL BROUSSARD'S VACATION PHOTOS FROM MEXICO...

After viewing the pretty photos that Peggy (Branham) sent, it spurred Neil Broussard to share some of his Mexico vacation pictures. He didn't say exactly where in Mexico these were taken, only that they didn't stay at one of the expensive resorts. Come to think of it, he didn't say if they stayed in the huts you will see in a later photo. I'm assuming the guy in the picture is Neil.

"We also just returned from Mexico, however, we didn't stay in the high cost resorts. No phone (Yeah!) No hot water (Ugh!) No A/C (No problem) Electricity (Sundown til 11 pm) Some bugs and crabs (still no problem) Lots of sand, beautiful beach, beautiful water, good food, great time with son and daughter( from Sweden) and daughter (Houston).

Enjoy the blog and hearing about everyone." (Neil)
Now for a little different scene, taken by Ter Cothran. By the way, Ter has changed scenery pretty drastically in the past two years. He went from the dry Arizona desert around Lake Havasu City, AZ to the piney woods of East Texas in Nacogdoches. He nicknamed his log home and acreage "The Ranch". (below right)

East Texas did not turn out to be his cup of tea, so Ter put his house on the market and moved to Prescott in northern Arizona to be near his son Kelly and daughter Amy, who is moving to Prescott with her husband and family as soon as their house sells in California. In the meantime, Ter's "ranch" sold, and he has bought a new home in Prescott. From the looks of his neighborhood, it is almost in the country.

This is the view from Ter's bedroom window! Needless to say, this was taken in January. The only pictures to rival this are the ones of Gene Routh's home in Colorado. Now that is wayyy too much snow for this Texas gal!



The photo below is Ter Cothran and his pride and joy, grandson Austin.

I am thinking of doing a "web album" (like the ones to the left of the blog post of the reunion, etc.) of everyone's grandchildren. If you think this is a good idea, let me know and start sending me the photos. I can start as soon as I have more than my own! I'll need names and ages.

NEWS: James Hays is doing well. Only eight days after his double coronary bypass he went to a Medical Society meeting at the Country Club in Brownwood with his son who now practices medicine there. He said he looked pretty cute carrying his "heart pillow" to the Country Club. He really is not supposed to drive or ride in a car next to an air bag for a while yet. Bet he could use a telephone call or card!

Peggy (Virden) Sharp had her six month checkup after heart surgery, and she is doing so well that they will take her off all medications except blood pressure meds. She and I went to the Ethnic Festival last Saturday and ran into a couple of classmates. Glenn Smith was gracious and bought me and Peggy french fries, and peach cobbler for dessert! Oh, my. That was delicious. Then Peg and I shopped all the vendors' booths looking for special birthday and Christmas gifts. Too bad the rain cut the festival short the next day.

In the photos are Glenn, Peggy, Bill King, and his friend Betty who is from Knoxville, Tennessee. She has been working at Shannon Hospital in San Angelo and will be there until June. A very pretty lady indeed, Bill.

Then there is Janice Amarine, who was in deep conversation with our newest physician in town, Dr. Mark McKinnon. He seemed to be enjoying the day at the festival, too.


















I hope everyone is getting outdoors and enjoying this beautiful spring weather. I already have some "accidental" sunflowers in my back yard, thanks to the birds and their feeders.

Let the good stuff happen!

Marilyn

HAPPY EARTH DAY AND BIRTHDAY

"Love all God's creation, the whole and every grain of sand in it. Love every leaf, every ray of God's light. Love the animals, love the plants, love everything. If you love everything, you will perceive the divine mystery in things. Once you perceive it, you will begin to comprehend it better every day. And you will come at last to love the whole world with an all-embracing love." (Feodor Dostoyevsky)

Earth Day! We've been celebrating this for over thirty years now. Sad that no more has been done to protect this beautiful planet. This year promises to raise the awareness of more and more of us.

I like to think I can simplify my life more than I have, and therefore not contribute to the ongoing "conspicuous consumption" that has threatened to overwhelm our world. I recently bought (they aren't giving them away yet!) recycled bags made from 2-liter soft drink bottles. I was proud to answer "Neither", when asked "paper or plastic?" Now if I can only remember to take them with me when I shop for groceries or other "necessary" items! I'm getting better at it. I only wish I didn't still own my gas-guzzling Jeep. As it is paid for, I don't foresee selling it for enough to buy a more efficient auto in the near future. On my agenda, though!


Now for the birthday. The shy little blond on the left is none other than Irene Piel (Batts), along with her best buds in high school, yours truly and Nancy Thompson (Baker). And of course, today is her birthday. Happy Birthday, Irene! This photo was probably taken shortly after her "sweet 16" birthday.

Good news! James Hays is now home from the hospital. He got home Sunday night. Says he is a little tired, but after this kind of surgery, that's to be expected. Get well soon, James. We need you to officiate!The young man in the tuxedo, second from left is none other than my grandson, Cameron Young, on the set of Cole Porter's "Anything Goes" this past Sunday in Dallas. The show was absolutely professional. It was difficult at times to realize these were high school students! Of course, they aren't just any high school students. Booker T. Washington Performing Arts High School is nicknamed "Grammy High", because so many of their graduates go on to win Grammies in the musical industry. Norah Jones is perhaps one of the most recognizable. The high school recently underwent a $40 million dollar renovation, making it a state-of-the-art school. Too bad Cameron is graduating this year and won't get to take advantage of it. However, LSU will more than make up for it as he launches his college opera training.

By the way, we (his family and friends in attendance) thought Cameron was the star of the show! His English accent, gray hair, and perfect comedic timing were delightful. He also had a duet with the female lead that showcased that beautiful bass singing voice of his. And not only did he do all of that to perfection, he also did a tap dance with the sailor chorus that was pretty remarkable considering those size 12 feet! Way to go, Cameron!! Congratulations on a job well done.

Yesterday, we had the most delightful visit from Peggy Branham (Krumlinde) on the far left below, who was in town for a family reunion at the June Harris (Koch) home at Bethel. We started with a great lunch at the Main Street Sandwich Shop, to which Peggy insisted on treating us. Those in attendance were Peggy, June, Doris Stokes (White), Nancy Thompson (Baker), yours truly, and the one brave man to join us, Glenn Smith.

From there we came to my house for cake, coffee, and lemonade. Peggy kept us enthralled with tales of her life since Ballinger. We all laughed so hard and so much, Nancy said she wished she had a tape recorder in order to remember it all! Peggy's escapade in high school in Vernon, as she worked in a hospital lab, passing out from cleaning stainless steel counters with ether; being the only licensed female shrimp boat Captain in the state of Texas; and her years of living in the snowladen mountains of Colorado, snowshoeing home with her gun to fight off the coyotes interested in her bags of groceries, as well as the encounters with bears -- as many as five at one time encircling a chokeberry bush... Well, need I say more? Peggy, I really think you should write a book of your life adventures. It was such fun to have her here. Next time she comes for a visit, I'll bet more will show up. In fact, maybe we'll just throw a big party!
Well, everyone, I know this was a long one, but I hope you enjoyed some of it. Most important, I hope some of you feel the passion I feel for our beautiful world, Gaia. She is indeed our Mother Earth, a living, breathing entity. We are charged with the responsibility of nurturing and protecting her, as she has provided for us.

Until next time, make some "good stuff happen"!

Marilyn

(Photo by my son, Matthew Rider)